Should you’re dreaming of a Cycladic escape that blends custom, authenticity, and a soothing vibe — Sifnos may be your island. Recognized for its timeless whitewashed villages, centuries-spanning ceramic pottery, unforgettable delicacies, and tranquil seashores, Sifnos invitations you to decelerate and to understand the second.
On this 5-day itinerary (4 overnights), I’ll take you on a slow-paced journey throughout the island’s greatest experiences, from peaceable swims to memorable meals and cultural encounters.
How To Get To Sifnos
Sifnos doesn’t have an airport, which suggests you’ll have to journey by ferry. The ferries for the islands depart from the port of Piraeus and the port of Rafina. In case you are staying in Athens, the port of Piraeus is your most handy possibility.
We selected to journey with Quick Ferries, and I took my automobile with me – very best for flexibility on the island (since I stay in Athens, it will be greatest so that you can lease a automobile on Sifnos).
There are a number of ferry choices to select from; the high-speed boats take half the time to get to Sifnos (normally about 2,5-3 hours and quarter-hour). The Quick Ferries is a bigger ship; thus, the journey time was over 5 hours. The ferry goes to a number of islands, so relying on which island you’re heading to, there might be quick stops on different islands alongside the way in which. We had stopped at Serifos earlier than arriving on Sifnos.
I exploit Ferryhopper to examine all of the accessible ferries on the day. It’s also possible to e book all of your tickets without delay and mix your journey with different Greek islands.
How To Spend 5 Days on Sifnos
Day 1 on Sifnos: Arrival in Sifnos & Kamares Seaside
The itinerary under is an actual breakdown of how I spent my time on Sifnos. After all, you possibly can tailor this system to your preferences. Logistically, you would possibly transfer round otherwise, relying on which a part of the island you resolve to remain on and whether or not you select to maneuver round or not. I hope you discover this put up useful.
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Our ferry arrived in Sifnos after 1 pm, which gave us loads of time to get pleasure from the remainder of the day.
Afternoon: We arrived at Kamares, Sifnos’ charming port city. I had opted to remain in Kamares, which is a comparatively compact and well-connected a part of the island. In case you aren’t planning to take a automobile or lease a scooter, you possibly can transfer round with the native bus.
Should you’re on the lookout for a energetic location proper by the seashore, Platys Gialos is a good possibility, because it encompasses a lengthy stretch of sand lined with eating places, tavernas, and quite a lot of lodging choices. It’s a kind of locations the place you possibly can simply spend a couple of days with out the necessity to transfer round, if that is one thing you like.
For individuals who wish to be within the coronary heart of the nightlife, I like to recommend staying in Apollonia; nevertheless, you have to to journey to the seashores through the day. Apollonia, the island’s capital, is situated on the crossroads of all instructions; subsequently, you possibly can simply get across the island from right here.
I had booked Resort Kamari, a easy and clear family-run lodging simply 200 meters from the Blue Flag Kamares Seaside, which was the right selection. The room featured a small fridge and tea-making services, in addition to a stunning terrace overlooking the ocean. The lodge doesn’t serve breakfast, however espresso and tea are at all times accessible within the downstairs kitchenette. Each morning, the proprietor brings freshly baked desserts and cookies, which is a stunning gesture.
Their receptionist, Ada, is a candy and useful woman; she took the time to clarify the whole lot concerning the island and offered us with glorious suggestions. This keep truthfully jogged my memory of the nice and cozy Greek hospitality and what holidaying on the islands was like again within the days when issues have been a lot less complicated in Greece.
The Blue Flag Kamares Seaside is partly organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, and the ocean is right for a soothing swim. It’s a sandy seashore with shallow entry, making it glorious for households with kids. A number of institutions have their very own sections with sunbeds; those nearer to the port space are cafes and eating places that serve meals and drinks.
If you wish to be somewhat additional away from the primary port space, there are different choices the place a set of sunbeds and an umbrella price €15.
Within the night, after soaking within the solar and exploring the village’s small pottery retailers and native boutiques, we had dinner at Araxovoli Tavern, situated proper by the water on the far finish, simply subsequent to the port. Its title means “the place you moor your boat,” and it’s no shock—they’ve their very own fishing boat, bringing within the freshest catch of the day.
We ordered revithokeftedes (chickpea croquettes), fish-roe dip (taramosalata), a Greek salad with native xinomizithra cheese, and freshly grilled purple mullet. Be sure that to ask about their contemporary catch of the day.
Kamares within the night is a peaceable, quiet spot, lined with family-run tavernas serving conventional Sifnian and Greek dishes.
Day 2: Cheronissos & Dinner at Platys Gialos
Morning: After a tea-sipping second on the balcony and a view of the sleepy harbor, we took the winding 40-minute drive to Cheronissos, the northernmost fishing village on the island. Although solely 14 km from Kamares, the roads are slender and curvy, so it’s greatest to observe the primary route, which is the Eparchiaki Odos (keep away from GPS shortcuts as it might probably take you within the fallacious course).
There’s clear and good signage on the island, so it’s greatest to observe the indicators. When you arrive at Cheronissos, park your automobile or scooter on the prime after which observe the trail that results in the bay.
Cheronissos is tiny, tranquil, and completely off the grid—no cellphone sign, simply sea and silence. Even when it’s very windy, which is frequent right here on the Cycladic islands because of the meltemi winds, the bay is protected, permitting you to get pleasure from a peaceable swim.
The small seashore is a mixture of sand and pebbles, with a couple of tamarisk bushes, and options a few tavernas and lodging for these looking for an entire escape.
The spotlight of our go to was assembly Mr. Kostantinos Depastas, certainly one of Sifnos’ final old-time potters. He’s the rationale why I headed to Cheronissos within the first place.
Over 80 years outdated, he nonetheless digs his personal clay, fires it with wooden, and makes use of a conventional, foot-powered wheel in his workshop. You will see that his workshop – “H Δύσκολη”, the troublesome one, proper on the entrance to the seashore. These days, he doesn’t have a schedule, so in case you’re fortunate sufficient to seek out his workshop open, make sure you go to him.
He has created a number of patents that no engineer or scientist may clarify, and he’s extraordinarily pleased with that. I had a very memorable encounter with him, and in case you’d wish to study extra, I invite you to observe my YouTube video, which I filmed throughout my go to.
He confirmed us creations that took him years to make and spoke of the creativeness, knowledge, and ease of nature. We left with a jug—a chunk of residing historical past. Should you do go there, I’d advise shopping for one thing too.
I had made dinner reservations at a restaurant on the opposite aspect of the island; subsequently, I didn’t keep in Cheronissos for lunch, as it will make me sleepy. Nonetheless, I’d advise you to spend extra time right here and benefit from the lovely, easy tavernas by the water. The complete ambiance is inspiring and embodies what it means to actually get pleasure from a slow-paced trip.
Afternoon: After a refreshing swim within the cove, we returned to Kamares for a short relaxation earlier than heading to the alternative aspect of the island.
Night: Platys Gialos is nice for individuals who choose to remain in a single place. It’s energetic, beachy, and lined with eating places, accommodations, and seashore bars. We stopped by the historic Franzeskos Lemonis pottery store (established in 1932) and bought a hand-painted salad bowl.
Sifnos has lengthy been referred to as the “island of potters.” For hundreds of years, its purple clay has not solely formed home goods but additionally a lifestyle. What started as a necessity—crafting cooking pots and storage jars—developed right into a proud custom that has been handed down by means of generations. At one time, practically each household had a hand within the commerce.
Right this moment, round fifteen pottery workshops stay energetic throughout the island, from coastal studios to village kilns, mixing historic expertise with fashionable creativity. Whether or not it’s a humble cooking pot or an ornamental flaros chimney decoration, each bit carries the heat of Sifnian earth and the story of its makers.
We headed to NUS Restaurant for dinner, the place inventive Greek delicacies meets farm-to-table philosophy with elements sourced from the Narlis household farm (It’s also possible to go to the farm and take part in varied actions that they host). We began with crisp, contemporary lettuce wearing barrel-aged vinegar and topped with crunchy sourdough breadcrumbs — easy, however stuffed with depth.
Then got here golden Naxian potatoes, completely roasted and paired with a cool yogurt dip. I like potatoes, and the Naxian ones are among the many greatest you’ll discover in Greece. We additionally tried Sifnos’ wax-aged manoura cheese, paired with grilled grapes — candy, salty, and superbly balanced.
For mains, we ordered lamb, which is slow-cooked with thyme and preserved lemon, served over pearl barley, including a country, earthy steadiness. Then got here one thing sudden: a dwarf rooster glazed in apricot and aniseed, served beneath a smoked glass dome — very aromatic.
We completed our meal with a dreamy orange pie accompanied by stracciatella ice cream — the right ending to a exceptional meal.
Day 3 on Sifnos itinerary: Vathi Seaside and Kastro
Morning: We spent the morning at Vathi Seaside, one of many island’s calmest. It’s formed like a crescent and is protected against the winds. The seashore is lengthy, principally unorganized, and lined with a couple of tavernas.
On the western finish, Elies Resort gives a non-public part for company, whereas additional down, the Nostos Seaside Bar offers trendy picket loungers with safe lockers. We rented the sunbeds for the day (EUR 40 per set). The seashore is sandy and the seabed is mushy, lined with sand. In addition they provide waiter service, permitting you to get pleasure from a number of refreshments and drinks.
We left our issues on the seashore and walked to the opposite aspect of the bay. Right here you will see the Taxiarchis Church, perched gracefully on the fringe of the bay. Should you stroll previous it, you’ll find yourself on a smaller seashore, the place you’ll discover the Tsikali Tavern proper by the water. This tavern serves dishes created from their very own farm-raised meats and in-house cheese manufacturing.
Suppose grilled lamb, rooster, and contemporary greens served proper by the ocean. They do serve some seafood dishes too, however they’re primarily recognized for his or her meat dishes, and naturally, you will see loads of vegetarian dishes too. The household produces their cheese vary, which you’ll style on the taverna, however additionally, you will purchase it from native retailers throughout the island.
After lunch, we headed again to our solar loungers and spent a couple of extra hours stress-free on the seashore.
Night: After the seashore, we headed to Kastro, Sifnos’ medieval village. We made our strategy to the enduring Church of the Seven Martyrs for panoramic views. You’ll be able to attain this church through a flight of steps, and it appears prefer it’s out of a portray. It’s an ideal spot to benefit from the sundown.
Subsequent to the trail that results in the church is the Loggia Wine Bar, essentially the most well-known wine spot in Kastro—it’s a good suggestion to e book forward, because it’s fairly widespread.
Should you don’t discover a spot right here, it’s also possible to head to the Kavos dawn bar, which is situated proper beneath it, overlooking the Seralia seashore under. The views listed below are mesmerizing.
Tip: A principal avenue leads as much as Kastro. Should you go to through the excessive season, parking could also be difficult, particularly in case you arrive throughout peak hours. There’s free municipal parking proper on the entrance to Kastro (subsequent to the windmills). I used to be right here in June and arrived earlier than 7 pm, so I had no drawback discovering parking, though it does refill rapidly.
Day 4: Faros & Dinner at Cantina
Morning: On our fourth day in Sifnos, we determined to take a look at the southern coast and headed to Faros village.
Faros gives two seashores, and we selected the farther one—quiet, sandy, unorganized, and shaded by tamarisk bushes. We arrived right here simply earlier than 10 am, and it was straightforward to discover a place to sit down; nevertheless, quickly afterwards, crowds began to collect. In case you are visiting through the excessive season, I like to recommend arriving as early as doable to safe a spot below the shade of the tamarisk bushes.
From there, a scenic strolling path results in Chrisopigi Monastery, one of the crucial photographed landmarks in Sifnos, relationship again to the seventeenth century. I wouldn’t advise climbing this path through the warmth of summer season, however in case you do resolve to hike it, go for very early morning or late afternoon, and ensure to put on a hat and sunscreen. Keep away from climbing in July and August, particularly through the noon hours.
There are a number of tavernas right here, and you may simply spend the entire day on this a part of the island.
Within the night, we headed again within the course of Kastro. For one thing distinctive and particular, I like to recommend dinner at Cantina, which is located by the water on Seralia Seaside, under the Kastro. Even the Obamas and Tom Hanks dined right here in 2023.
Chef Giorgos Samoilis served a surprising tasting menu of chilly choriatiki soup, marinated beef fillet, fava crepes, chickpea panisse, quick ribs with Lemnos pasta, and xinomizithra ice cream. They provide a superb wine checklist that includes each native and worldwide labels, accompanied by an in-house sommelier to help together with your wine pairing.
This can be a small, extraordinarily widespread restaurant, and reservations are suggested properly prematurely. The set menu prices €70 per particular person. There’s additionally an extra dish of the day menu.
Day 5 of Sifnos itinerary: Theodorou Sweets & Apollonia Stroll
On our ultimate day we went for a morning swim to Kamares seashore. The wind had calmed down, and the water was refreshingly cool.
We then made our strategy to the village of Artemonas, the place you will see Theodorou Pastry Store, a family-run bakery since 1933. There, Vasilodimos Theodorou and his 90-year-old mom, Mrs. Katerina, nonetheless handcraft almond sweets the standard manner: in copper pots over charcoal. Their creations embody mushy tezerou, uncooked pear-shaped sweets, and golden oven-baked delights. Their workshop, with its blue doorways and home windows, is a neighborhood treasure.
Whereas in Artemonas, it’s also possible to go to the Sifnos Pottery Museum, which encompasses a assortment of Handmade Ceramics by visionary architect Cosmas Xenakis. It’s a good way to study extra concerning the island’s deep-rooted historical past of ceramics.
We then made our strategy to the close by Apollonia, the island’s capital and cultural coronary heart. A declared conventional settlement, Apollonia is dwelling to banks, put up workplaces, pharmacies, and loads of eating places and retailers.
Alongside the stone-paved “Alley,” we explored church buildings, boutiques, and the energetic Heroes Sq., the place the Folklore Museum of Sifnos is situated. Close by Rambagas Sq. honors the lifetime of poet and political satirist Kleanthis Triantafyllou. Apollonia is quiet within the mornings and through the day as everybody heads to the seashore, nevertheless it will get fairly energetic within the evenings.
Our ferry was not scheduled till 3 pm, so we sat down for lunch on the Meropi tavern in Kamares. We totally loved the whole lot we ordered. The chickpea fritters are glorious right here, we additionally tried rooster cooked in red-wine sauce, fried squid which was contemporary, grilled sardines, wild greens and fish-roe dip (taramosalata). I extremely advocate this taverna in case you’re staying in Kamares or plan to get pleasure from lunch right here earlier than your departure. The service was glorious and quick.
Mountaineering on Sifnos
Should you like to discover on foot, Sifnos is a hiker’s paradise. The island is crisscrossed by a community of well-marked trails that lead by means of olive groves, terraced hillsides, and centuries-old footpaths connecting villages, chapels, and secluded coves. Whether or not you’re strolling from Apollonia to Kastro or following the coastal path to Chrisopigi, every path reveals one other aspect of Sifnos.
With trails for each degree and loads of breathtaking views alongside the way in which, climbing right here is each a journey by means of panorama and heritage. Go to the official Sifnos trails web site for extra info.
Helpful Tips about Sifnos
Municipal parking spots can be found all through the island, and the areas are marked with a “P”. It’s extremely handy, particularly in case you plan on driving.
The roads should not well-lit within the evenings, and that is one thing that the locals overlook, as they’re well-experienced drivers in their very own land. Should you don’t really feel snug driving the winding roads, it’s greatest to keep away from driving lengthy distances within the night.
The primary street may be very properly paved, and the overall situation of the roads in Sifnos is superb, in comparison with different Greek islands.
Sifnos is the birthplace of Greece’s first cookbook creator, Nicholas Tselementes. His affect endures within the island’s deep-rooted culinary traditions. Be sure that to attempt dishes like revithada (slow-cooked chickpeas in a clay pot) and mastelo (goat or lamb braised with dill and wine).
